# CIX explained — Of Human Bondage

> Chapter companion for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

## What happens

Philip receives a letter from Mildred, who is in distress. Despite his hatred and disgust, he visits her and finds her ill with a sexually transmitted disease. He diagnoses her condition, prescribes treatment, and reluctantly resumes contact with her, though he feels she is creeping back into his life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Disillusionment

Mildred's physical and emotional suffering, and Philip's disillusionment upon re-encountering her, highlight the theme of suffering and the harsh realities of life.

### Love and Obsession

Philip's inability to fully detach from Mildred, despite his hatred and disgust, underscores the lingering power of his past obsession.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Carey

Receives a letter from Mildred, visits her, diagnoses her illness, and reluctantly continues to see her.

### Mildred Rogers

Contacts Philip in distress, is ill with a sexually transmitted disease, and shows signs of returning to her old life.

### Mrs. Foster

Mentioned as the housekeeper who has Philip's address.

## Key lines

> It gave him a queer feeling. For a little while he could not bring himself to take it. It brought back a host of hateful memories.

The sight of Mildred's handwriting on the envelope unsettled Philip, and he hesitated before opening it, as it revived painful memories.

_Philip's emotional turmoil upon receiving Mildred's letter._

> I don't know what's the matter with me.

Mildred confesses she is ill and doesn't understand her symptoms.

_Mildred's plea for help reveals her fear and ignorance about her condition._

> I suppose I shall never really quite get over it.

Philip realizes that his feelings for Mildred, however painful, will always linger.

_Philip's self-awareness about his enduring emotional attachment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters